Distributed Battery System with Voltage Transformation for Parallel Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing serial battery pack power supply systems face challenges in flexibly selecting and switching between parallel and serial charging/discharging patterns, leading to compatibility and scalability issues due to requirements of identical types, consistency, and voltages, and cannot handle battery packs or groups of different types or poor consistency directly.

Innovation Solution

A distributed battery system with a bypass circuit and bidirectional voltage transformation circuit, controlled by a control circuit, allows for direct or indirect parallel connection of battery packs or groups based on type, consistency, and voltage, using a charging/discharging circuit and control policy to manage the connection and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If battery packs or groups of different types, poor consistency, or different voltages are directly connected in parallel for use, then the compatibility and scalability of the power supply system is improved, but the technical problems of cask effect and system reliability worsen due to voltage mismatches and performance disparities

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a voltage transformation circuit as an intermediary between battery packs of different voltages. This circuit includes voltage transformation units that can step-up or step-down voltages to match different battery pack voltage levels, enabling parallel connection of battery packs with different voltages while maintaining system reliability through controlled voltage matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic voltage matching through controllable switching circuits that can adjust connection configurations in real-time. The system dynamically selects appropriate voltage transformation paths based on the specific voltage levels and operational requirements of connected battery packs, allowing flexible adaptation to different battery types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple battery packs are connected in parallel to expand system capacity, then the total energy storage and power output increase, but the requirement for identical battery types and consistent parameters increases device complexity and difficulty of system integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal capacityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal power supply system architecture where a single modular circuit structure can handle multiple battery pack types and voltage levels. The voltage transformation units and switching circuits are designed to work with various battery configurations, reducing integration complexity by providing a unified interface for connecting different battery packs in parallel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the power supply system into independent modular units, each capable of connecting to and transforming voltage from different battery packs. This segmentation allows each module to independently manage specific battery packs, simplifying the overall integration process while enabling scalable parallel connections to increase total system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single battery pack is used to simplify the system structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot flexibly select parallel or serial patterns during charging/discharging, worsening adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidcharging/discharging flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability where the system can switch between series and parallel connection patterns during operation. Controllable switching circuits allow the battery packs to be dynamically reconfigured from series connection during charging to parallel connection during discharging, or vice versa, providing charging/discharging flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures multiple connection paths and switching circuits that enable rapid reconfiguration between series and parallel patterns. These preliminary structural arrangements allow the system to quickly switch operating modes in response to charging/discharging requirements without complex real-time control, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3621172B1Distributed battery, battery control method, and electric automobile
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3621172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3621172B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3621172B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a distributed battery pack power supply system, a charging control method, and a discharging control method. According to a charging/discharging circuit of the distributed battery pack power supply system and a corresponding control policy provided in the embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of battery packs or battery groups can be directly connected in parallel or indirectly connected in parallel as required. A distributed battery in the embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of battery packs, and further includes a controller, a bidirectional voltage transformation circuit, a bypass circuit, a charging circuit, and a charging input end. Each battery pack is corresponding to one bypass circuit and one bidirectional voltage transformation circuit.